Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Iridaceae

Genus:

Ixia

Species:

Ixia maculata

USDA Symbol:

IXMA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to South African fynbos where fire is common; resprouts from corms after fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to South African fynbos, prefers open sunny areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

21–42 days

Notes:

Sow corms in autumn; seeds require warm-then-cold cycle but corm propagation is more reliable.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI